With many Lenders now making automated lending decisions, it can seem confusing why others are still sticking to a manual process. Here at The Tipton, we are proud of our manual underwriting service and the benefits it reaps.

Automated Decision Making

Many high-street Lenders currently use computer-based systems to assist with their lending decisions. These systems will look at your client’s credit score, borrowing history, etc. to decide whether or not to approve a mortgage application. It can then be argued that the value of an Underwriter is decreasing.

So, Why Manual Underwriting?

We understand that not all applicants will fit into the box that automated decision making systems like. Due to this, there is a need for manual decisions to be made, that will benefit both the Lender (us) and the borrower (your client)! The Tipton’s manual underwriting process empowers our Underwriters to be thoughtful and rational with their actions, to use their common sense and become decision makers.

Manual underwriting allows our Underwriters to look at the bigger picture and get a balanced view on your client’s ability to repay the mortgage they are applying for. This means they can have a look at the overall risk to the Society and consider what conditions can be used to meet our lending policies. By using manual underwriting in every case, this embeds sensible and responsible decision making within the Society.

Our hands-on approach means that we can look deeper into your client’s financial position, and consider cases where your clients may have:

• Low credit scores;
• Minimal credit history;
• Self-employed applicants;
• Applicants in fixed term employment contracts; and
• Many more.

Our Underwriters

Our Head of Mortgage Lending, David Cox, leads a team of six made up of Mortgage Processors and Underwriters. Talking to the team, it is clear to see the benefits for the Society, your clients and you, retrospectively. Some of their favourite parts of manual underwriting include;

“I like that we can look at cases that many other high street lenders wouldn’t consider. This doesn’t mean we are risk takers; we just apply common sense”.

“I enjoy the hands-on approach we apply. Every applicant is different, so why should they all be pushed through an automated system?”

“Just because something doesn’t quite fit, it shouldn’t result in a computer says no decision. It’s great to be able to look at an individual’s situation and see what changes we can make to turn the negative to a positive”.

“The great thing about manual underwriting is that while our lending policy is the core of what we do, applying a manual approach means we can consider applications outside of this, where it benefits the borrower and the Society”.

To discuss our lending policy in more detail, or put a case forward, call our Intermediary Help Desk on 0121 521 4000 or visit www.thetipton.co.uk/intermediaries.